Did you take the world’s oldest personality quiz to determine which of the Five Elements in Chinese Medicine you are?  If you didn’t, and you’re this article, I invite you to pause for three minutes, read this article, and then circle back.  If you did and it concluded that you’re a Fire Type, read-on – the spontaneity and energy you emit helps make the world go round (and parties more enjoyable).  

What is the Fire Element?

At the top of the Five Element chart is the Fire Element.  Considered the lightest and fastest energetic of all five, the Fire Element is uplifting, frenetic and expansive.  Connected to the summer season, where most of nature is maturing, spring blossoms are transforming into fruit, flowers are in full bloom and the warmer temps are inspiring us to celebrate and be in community with one another.  

Throughout the summer season, we are feeling more free and inhibited to go after what we want.  Thousands of ideas are pouring in as we play, collaborate and evoke joy, providing the stepping stones for us to engage with our desires. 

The Fire Type Personality: The Original Life of the Party

The Fire type is joyful, lively and communicative.  They are the lovers, performers and the connectors of all the Elements types. They embody the fiery red tendencies that ignite excitement, making them the life of the party and usually the one found in the center of the room, making everyone laugh with their stories and jokes.  They make friends easily with just about anybody that they meet.  

Relationships, closeness and affection are extremely important for a Fire Type, as their tendency is to be quite expressive and affectionate.  They wear their heart on their sleeves, allowing them to be able to closely related and be vulnerable with others.  This openness creates an invitation - inspiring others to soften and be vulnerable too. However, when imbalanced they can be a bit clingy, not recognizing when they end and another begins.  

Spontaneity is Central – And They Go All-In

Fire Types live in the moment and adore spontaneity - without it they feel that life is rather dull and boring.  They are quite talkative and their thought pattern and ways of seeing the world aren’t as linear as the other types but it’s okay because they know and trust that they will get to where they need to be.  This is because in a lot of ways their energy and zest for life and enthusiasm is leading them.  

When excited about something they go all in, fully enthralled with their intention and effort, and once the energy no longer feels good, either because they’ve gotten out of it what they wanted or they’re no longer excited about that particular thing anymore, they will drop it with no care to return to it at a later date. 

They are naturally optimistic, always looking for the silver lining and glimmer of light to help lift themselves and others out of difficult circumstances.  Because of this, they are able to lead and connect with others that are attracted to their energy and enthusiasm. They have a way of bringing fun and joy everywhere they go, always appearing as though they are having the best time.  Others want to be in their company so that they too can be uplifted in a Fire Types presence.  

A Fire Type and Moments of Imbalance

When imbalanced, Fire Types have the tendency to be overly dramatic and over-sensitive.  They run hot and cold and the fluctuating emotions can be a bit of a roller coaster as they cycle through the extremes of emotion. Because they are sensitive, they can be easily hurt and often interpret another’s actions personally, thinking that it was something that they did or said to make the other person behave a particular way (when in fact it may not have anything to do with them).     

Due to their natural ability to be the performer and the center of attention, they can easy find themselves overly concerned with what others think of them, seeking approval and permission for their actions, instead of going inwards for appreciation and acceptance of themselves.   

Healing Practices for a Fire Type: Happy Lists & Personal Touches 

During times of imbalance, the following recommendations will help the Fire Type:

1. Create a Happy List: Make a list of every type of activity that brings you joy and makes you feel happy.  Come up with at least 20 things and keep going if you have more than that.  Keep the list somewhere where you can see it on a daily basis and choose to schedule at least one thing (more is better) into your day.  Weaving happiness, joy and pleasure throughout your day keeps your “Fire” alive, allowing for greater sparks of desire to come into your awareness.  
2. Closeness & Physical Touch: According to family therapist Virginia Satir, “We need four hugs a day for survival, 8 hugs a day for maintenance and 12 hugs a day for growth.” While other types might be a bit squeamish from this statement, for a Fire Type, this is truth.  Physical connection and closeness are a necessity.  It’s okay for you to be the hugger in your group of friends or want to hold your partners hand when you walk down the street.  Identify the way in which physical affection are needed in your relationships and ask for them.   

Care Consideration: Just a reminder that the above information is not a substitute for medical care and is not a substitute for medical advice or recommendations  from a healthcare provider.  This information is not intended to treat, mitigate or cure any disease.  That said, we encourage you to connect with an Acupuncturist in your community to learn more about this and other Traditional Chinese Medicine options.  If you’ve got questions about Chinese herbal medicine or getting started with an Acupuncturist, feel free to connect with us on hello@mydaolabs.com. 

Dr. Ashley Abbs is a registered acupuncturist, writer, mentor, and the owner of TerraSana Health in Calgary AB, Canada. She assists her clients in both her practice and online with the wisdom of Chinese Medicine, using the lens of 5 Element Philosophy to discover "Why They Are The Way They Are," so that they may trust their own inner wisdom and awaken their innate healing capabilities. She is also the author of the book, "5 Element Alchemy" which you can learn more about below or at www.ashleyabbs.com or on Instagram @ashleyabbs.